Senior Levi Hicks stood tall this past week for Klamath Union wrestling after competing in the High Desert Classic at Mazama High School this last Saturday, and at the Basin Best wrestling tournament at Henley High School this past Wednesday.
Note: For a full gallery from the High Desert Classic, go to the KFCS Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Klamath.Falls.City.Schools
In the championship match of 144-pound weight class at the High Desert Classic, Hicks faced a familiar foe in Lakeview High School sophomore, Steven Anderson.
Hicks had the pressure put on him by Anderson, who had an impressive takedown to startle Klamath Union’s top wrestler.
Hicks was able to take control of the match when he took down Anderson, and with one foot just inside the circle, was able to win with a pin at 3:27.
“He had a takedown which concerned me for a second. I just kind of ran him (Anderson) over with a knee pick. I qualified and was the No. 2 seed last year. Our new coach (Chase Hewitt) was a pretty good wrestler in Pennsylvania and has been a great coach to wrestle with,” Hicks said. “I think there is a good chance I can win it all this year or at least be in the finals (of the state tournament). I want to work hard and get one percent better everyday.
At the High Desert Classic, KU senior Kevin Willyard also had a strong showing and finished in second place in the 138 pound weight class.
In their respective weight classes, the following KU wrestlers also had a strong showing.
Griffin Johnson - 5th place
Luis Meza Bravo - 5th place
Chris Stromberg - 5th place
Carlos Garcia - 6th place
Bryan Sanchez - 6th place
At the Basin Best wrestling tournament, Klamath Union took third overall as a team. Hicks took home the most outstanding wrestler award.
Klamath Union‘s top wrestlers at Basin Best wrestling tournament
Levi Hicks - 1st place
Chris Stromberg - 1st place
Kevin Willyard - 1st place
Carlos Garcia - 1st place
Griffin Johnson - 2nd place
Bryan Sanchez - 3rd place
“We have a bunch of first year wrestlers and I think we finished third or fourth in this tournament so that is one of the highest finishes we have had in years at this tournament at Mazama. I think this is going to be a great year for us,” Hicks said.
